UV Photography

What is UV Photography?

Ultraviolet (UV) light dramatically reveals sun damage, acne scars, actinic keratoses (patches of precancerous cells), and other problems that may not be visible under the wavelengths of visible light. UV photographs look like normal black and white photographs that show you these problems (see the examples below).

What are the benefits?

UV photographs show you exactly where your skin needs help. Periodic UV photographs document the progress and effectiveness of your skin care program.

Who should have UV Photography?

Seeing is believing. If you want to know the true condition of your skin or if you want to document your progress towards healthy, beautiful skin, UV Photography is for you.

How often should UV Photography be repeated?

If you are receiving treatments and using products to reduce sun damage or other problems that are more visible under ultraviolet light, we recommend UV photographs at the beginning and end of your course of treatment. Annual photographs are useful to evaluate the effectiveness of your overall skin care program.

Things you should know.

UV Photography is completely safe and has no risks or side effects.

How much time is required?

It normally requires 15 minutes to set up the UV camera, take the pictures, and allow them to develop.

How much does it cost?

$15

Examples.

In the following examples, the two photographs on the left in each series were taken in ordinary light and show what is visible to the naked eye. The picture on the right was taken with a UV camera and illustrates the amount of damage that lies beneath the surface of the skin.

Ordinary and UV light photographs of an 18 month old child

At age 18 months, sun damage is not yet apparent.

Ordinary and UV light photographs of a 4 year old child

At age 4 years, early sun damage is evident. Notice the freckling across the nose and cheeks.

Ordinary and UV light photographs of a 17 year old woman

At age 17, significant sun damage exists.

Ordinary and UV light photographs of a 37 year old woman

At age 37, subsurface sun damage is clearly visible in the photo on the right.

Ordinary and UV light photographs of a 52 year old woman

At age 52, this woman has "prematurely aged" skin in visible light and significantly sun damaged skin in ultraviolet light.

Ordinary and UV light photographs of a 64 year old woman

At age 64, this beach community resident has skin that chronicles a lifetime of extensive, unprotected sun exposure.


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